This summer promises plenty of opportunities to enjoy the warm weather. So take a look at our summertime ideas for low-cost adventures that engage the kids, grandkids, neighbor’s kids, friend’s kids—and all kids at heart.
24 Ideas for Summer Fun
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Visit a zoo, aquarium, or botanical garden. Reconnect with nature and the great outdoors. Free days and coupons are often available on weekdays or during specific times of the year, so be sure to check for discounts online before heading out.
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Make homemade ice cream. What’s better than a cold cup of ice cream on a hot summer day? Try one of our recipes, or whip up a batch of your own. Better yet, pick up favorite toppings and set up an ice cream buffet—with plenty of whipped cream.
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Plan a tie-dye t-shirt party. A quick visit to your nearby crafts store for colorful dyes is all it takes to give old clothing, linens, and other items new life. Plus, it’s one project you can’t mess up: every pattern is unique! Just remember to use a protective tarp and plenty of disposable gloves since the dye is permanent.
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Go to the beach. Collect seashells, fly a kite, build a sandcastle, play paddleball, stroll on the shore, kick a ball, or simply chill on a big blanket with a deck of cards and a competitive game of go fish, crazy eights, rummy, or slapjack. The possibilities are endless when it comes to fun at the beach.
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Float down a river in an inner tube. For strong swimmers only. River tubes and floats cost between $15 and $30 each and offer hours of fun. Bring waterproof sunscreen, towels, and your kid spirit.
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Sleep in a tent in the backyard. The advantages of a camp-out with kids in the backyard? Use of indoor plumbing and no bears! If possible, give older kids or teens their own tent.
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Picnic on the front lawn. What could be easier than to pack up a basket, grab a blanket, and head out to your own front yard? If you need a few recipe ideas, try these easy summertime recipes.
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Watch some fireworks. Fourth of July celebrations are coming up! Many towns will return to hosting official fireworks shows that are often free of charge. If you have visitors for the long weekend or are celebrating with your immediate family, a trip to your local fireworks show can be the start of a fun-filled tradition—just make sure you get there early since parking always seems to be scarce.
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Make Fourth of July t-shirts. While kids are waiting to leave for the fireworks, here’s a fun suggestion: purchase a pack of classic white t-shirts, some red, white, and blue fabric paint, and start painting personalized t-shirts to wear at the fireworks show.
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Have a backyard BBQ or firepit party. Plan a barbecue dinner in the backyard or a night around the fire pit. Either way, be sure you make some Smores.
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Go fishing and catch the big one. A handy idea when you already have the equipment and a lake nearby. If not, most fishing piers have the equipment you can rent and don’t require a fishing license. Keep in mind that fishing beaches and other spots may require licenses, so it’s a good idea to do your homework beforehand.
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Visit your local pool. Most towns have public pools with low daily rates for kids, but did you know many hotel resorts offer day passes to use their pool facilities? Day passes typically run from $15-$45; be sure to check with local hotels about availability.
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Take a day trip. Explore your area like a tourist. Your local tourist bureau or chamber of commerce can offer many fun and interesting ideas for exploring close to home.
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Paint garden pots. Let kids pick out a few small terracotta pots and easy-to-maintain plants at your local nursery. Then get out some acrylic craft paint, brushes, and stencils and let their creativity run free. After the decorated pots are dry, kids can add the plants and watch them grow.
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Plan a scavenger hunt. Use items from your house, hide them inside or out in the yard, create a list of the items (for older kids, try writing clues to get them thinking), set a time limit, and be sure you have prizes for the end. You can even make the last item the prize.
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Host an outdoor movie night. You’ll need a large white sheet, a projector (try to borrow one), a speaker or two, the movie of choice, either via a streaming service or stick, or a DVD, and a laptop or tablet with USB port or DVD player. Don’t forget the popcorn.
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Create a masterpiece. On a warm afternoon, a good supply of colored sidewalk chalk can go a long way. Draw, write, make a hopscotch grid, and let those kids' creative juices flow—the sky’s the limit.
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Take a hike. Explore your town or county’s local trails and parks. Most counties have annual parking packages you can purchase that offer reduced or free parking at any county park, making it easy to roam at your own pace. Pack plenty of water and snacks, slather on the sunscreen, and get out there.
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Make your own Monopoly game. Pick up a large poster board at your local crafts store, cut it into a square, and draw a Monopoly board on it. Kids can fill in the colored squares and categories with neighborhood streets, favorite restaurants, attractions, and other family favorites to create a personalized Monopoly game. Make your own money and Community Chest/Chance cards out of colored paper. Tip: Once you’re finished, have your board laminated at a nearby office supply store.
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Take a bike ride. Biking through town with your kids is a great way for them to learn how to get around the town safely. If you have not been out on bikes since last summer, here are some bike safety tips. If you don’t have bikes, most local bike shops offer inexpensive rentals, including all the equipment you’ll need for a day of fun.
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Go to local events. Summer is when most towns plan outdoor movie events, open-air farmers markets, and other community activities. Check your local newspaper or go online to search for local kid-friendly happenings in your neck of the woods.
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Play yard games. Get out the croquet set for some old-fashioned fun in the sun. Don’t have a set? You can purchase one online for under $40. For kids who like to make things, check out these DIY instructions for creating backyard lawn dice, tic-tac-toe, and lawn twistie.
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Plan staycation days. Sometimes, your imagination just gives out. When that happens, try staycation ideas.
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Play with bubbles. Imagine running through a field of bubbles! Outdoor bubble machines offer loads of fun, and best of all, they’re easy to find at your local toy store for less than $30. These are a big hit especially with younger kids—although you might be surprised at how much fun they can be.
